Hola!

A couple of days ago I arrived back in the UK after spending a week in sunny Spain. I know you're probably thinking "whaaat, another holiday?!", but the past couple of months have been a bit bleugh and I just felt I needed to get away and head to Malaga, which is practically my second home.

Honestly, I would have to say it was one of the best holidays I have ever had. The hotel was meh in places, but there was a sea view if you cricked your neck around far enough and the other side of the balcony overlooked some beautiful Spanish buildings that looked like Mr Kipling's French Fancies. 

The main reason I enjoyed it so much was because of all the different places I went to. It felt as if every single day was an adventure. Since losing my dad almost four years ago, family holidays don't exist anymore. It's just my mum and myself now, as understandably my older brother plans his own trips with his girlfriend. Whilst in Spain, we met up with a friend who took us to places I didn't even know existed. It was like having a personal tour guide! He showed us little bars tucked away on the seafront where you can go and watch the sunset, let us have a walk along the pier belonging to the Marbella Club Hotel and told us all the inside gossip on the popular hotspots of the rich and famous in Puerto Banus. On top of that, we drove all the way to Gibraltar! It was so surreal. 

I say this every time, but I really didn't want to come home. Every place we visited felt like paradise.

I seem to recall in one of my previous holiday posts I included 'OOTD' photos, where I emphasised how I am by no means a model but just someone who would like to share my outfit choices with you. So yeah, we're doing it again. (And for the record, I am still not a model).

Dress - Topshop
Heels - ASOS

Sunglasses - H&M
Dress - Ralph Lauren
Sandals - UGG

T Shirt - Topshop
Dress - Zara
Sandals - UGG

Dress - H&M
Heels - ASOS

Crop Top - TK Maxx
Midi Skirt - Bershka
Heels - ASOS

If you'd like to check out more holiday snaps, feel free to follow my instagram: @xchloeanne. After having such a dreamy week, I have major post-holiday depression now I'm getting back into the swing of work, but something's gotta pay for these trips, right?!

Hope you all enjoy the weekend!

Chloë

xx

¡Buenas tardes!

I've just returned to the UK after sunning myself for a week in Mallorca - it was beautiful! I began writing a blog post during my outbound flight last week and could have sworn I'd saved it in my drafts, but for some reason it's completely disappeared so it looks like I'll have to start from scratch.

Speaking of flights, flying directly to Palma didn't quite go to plan; we were unable to fly over France due to strikes so therefore had to take an 800-mile detour over Belgium and Germany which added an extra hour onto our flight time. It wasn't ideal, but the main thing was that we arrived safe and sound.

Despite travelling to Mallorca before with my family, rather oddly we never visited the city of Palma, so that was first on the list when returning this year.

I'm stepping a little out of my comfort zone here, but for those fashionistas amongst you, I thought it may be interesting to show you a couple of outfits (please note: I am by no means model material!)

Photo Above:-
Sunglasses: H&M
Kimono: Jane Norman
Cami: Dorothy Perkins
Shorts: ASOS
Bag: Miss Selfridge
Watch: Fitbit
Flip flops: Accessorize

Photo Above:-
Dress: Topshop
Kimono: Jane Norman
Shoes: ASOS

Photo Above:-
Dress: Topshop
Shoes: ASOS

Photo Above:-
Top: TK Maxx
Kimono: Jane Norman
Shorts: Suite Blanco
Sandals: Forever 21

Photo Above:-
Top: TK Maxx
Skirt: Hollister
Sandals: Minnetonka

Until next time, or should I say... ¡hasta luego!

Chloë
x

I'm sure I mentioned in a previous blog post that I'd booked a short stay in Spain for three days. I ventured off in the early hours of Monday morning and stayed just outside the city of Málaga. It was SO lovely! I fall in love with Spain a little bit more each time I visit. It's so relaxing there; just being able to walk down the street without knowing anybody gives you such an overwhelming sense of freedom, and the endless hours of sunshine definitely help to put people in a good mood!!

I thought i'd keep this post quite simple and share a couple of photos below from my trip - hope you enjoy!

All photos were taken by myself using a Canon EOS M with a standard 18-55mm lens.

This time exactly two weeks ago I began trekking up numerous steps to reach Gaudí's ever-so-wonderful Park Güell, situated on Carmel Hill with breathtaking views overlooking the whole of Barcelona. Today, however, I'm back at home slumped on the sofa reminiscing about my time in Spain and experiencing what I'd like to call 'PHD' (post-holiday depression, FYI).

Day One

The first day consisted of waking up at 3:00am (much to my delight) and heading off to the airport. I idiotically didn't go to bed until 11:30pm the previous evening as I was faffing around with my hand luggage and researching "Barcelona Fashion in Autumn" for waaay longer than necessary. Surviving on three and a half hours sleep was NOT fun, but I managed to sneak in a little siesta* when I got to the apartment.

*Side note: the thirty minute siesta somehow turned into a three hour sleep... I was completely ZONKED.

As I siesta'd for a little longer than planned, I woke up feeling rather groggy but didn't want to waste the rest of the day moping around in the apartment, so I pulled myself together and headed out to explore the area. 

Being located on the outskirts of Barcelona meant there wasn't an awful lot to see or do besides food shopping in the Mercadona, but the transport links were excellent and having a tram stop just a five minute walk away meant it was incredibly easy to travel into the city.

The view from the balcony

Day Two

Ah, the day when the real exploring began. After filling up on breakfast it was time to catch the tram to the nearest metro stop. Much like a London Travelcard, you can purchase a ticket which allows you access to the trams, buses and metros. What's even better is that it's just €9.95 and entitles you to use it for ten journeys, so you can hop on and off various methods of transport until your heart's content!

The first port of call was, of course, Las Ramblas. I was hit by a sense of familiarity here as just a couple of years ago my parents, my brother and I had all visited Barcelona on a day trip and it really brought back memories of when we used to have such lovely family days out. Near the end of the street you reach The Columbus Monument (Mirador de Colom) where you can cross the road and head over the bridge towards the shopping centre, Maremagnum. I remember this is exactly where my family had lunch, overlooking the marina.

 

Next stop was visiting the Gothic Quarter, but en route I couldn't help but notice the Arc de Triompf. Unfortunately it had started to rain quite heavily at this point which resulted in me dashing back the the nearest metro station, however I did manage to get a few quick shots beforehand.

Day Three

The day I hiked up to Park Güell. It was well worth it, though! Although rather tiring, it was a good leg workout to say the least and the views were breathtaking. You do have to pay an entry fee if you wish to access the 'Monumental Zone', but it is free if you wish to wander around the outside perimeter of the park.

A song to sum up this picture: 'The Climb' by Miley Cyrus! #SoSteep

It was so interesting to see the different types of architecture within the park - just look at the intricate mosaic patterns!

I was particularly fond of this little gingerbread house, another of Gaudí's designs. It's so cute!

Day Four

The last full day of the trip *sob*. As my brother and his girlfriend had briefly visited Barcelona for a day back in June, they recommended going to see Mount Tibidabo, a five hundred and twenty meter high mountain offering spectacular views of the city and surrounding coastline. 

The top of the mountain also featured an amusement park and a church... talk about juxtaposition!

After exploring Mount Tibidabo, I paid a visit to the Sagrada Família, one of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions. There is still construction work taking place on certain parts of the cathedral, but luckily I managed to take photos from the opposite side so it didn't detract from the beauty of this incredible piece of architecture.

Noticed these two beauties whilst having lunch - so adorable!

Day Five

The day I travelled back home to dreary old England. I had such an amazing time in Barcelona, even if it was only for four short days! Whenever I go on mini-breaks I always think it's important to see and do as much as you can so you really make the most out of the trip. (Did I ever tell you the time I walked over 30,000 steps a.k.a over 23km in a day around Paris?!) 

If you liked the photos, head on over to my Instagram for more :)

¡Hasta luego!

Chloë

x

All photos were taken by myself using a Canon Powershot SX220. If you would like to use any of the photos featured above, please contact me first.